As one of the founding fathers of the AVCHD format (Panasonic is the other), you'd expect Sony to offer something special to the camcorders that carry its name. The Sony HDR-CX11E doesn't disappoint.

We were very impressed with the automated features such as face detection and the smile shutter as they ensured we ended up with consistently good results. The video picture quality is first-rate, too. A brighter LCD, an electronic viewfinder and some eas...

The JVC Everio GZ-HD6EK HD camcorder sticks to TS/Mpeg2 high-definition video - the format AVCHD is ultimately expected to replace.

This is a good choice of camera if huge storage capacity is a big factor. The JVC Everio GZ-HD6EK produces good pictures and sound and has a comprehensive set of connection options including FireWire. However, we found it rather bulky and the use of Mpeg2...

Compared with the sylph-like AVCHD camcorders on the market, the Blu-ray recording Hitachi DZ-BD70E is something of a monster.

The sheer bulk of the Hitachi DZ-BD70E will deter some buyers, while the fact that you need to feed it expensive Blu-ray Discs makes it pretty expensive to use. While this adds the convenience of being able to play your video straight away, the poor image...

The Canon HF100E is a well equipped AVCHD camcorder, although we are disappointed by the lack of an electronic viewfinder or a manual focus ring.

We can't argue with the Canon HF100E's build quality or the resulting images and we like the bright LCD that makes it easier to see what you are shooting in bright outdoor conditions. The cinema mode and digital effects impress us too. We wish Canon hadn'...

The Panasonic HDC-HS100 HD camcorder is a better camera than it's predecessor the Panasonic HDC-HS9, with improved image quality and great usability.

If the images from Panasonic's HDC-HS100 equaled the camcorder's great handling and usability, this model would be a clear winner. The HS100 provides the best controls we've seen in a small HD camcorder, but the images lag behind those of AVCHD camcorders...

The Sony Handycam HDR-SR12 can record over a dozen hours of great-looking AVCHD video onto its 120GB hard drive, but it comes at a hefty price.

Although the Sony Handycam HDR-SR12 is a very good HD camcorder, it costs far more than HD camcorders that deliver similar quality and features. The key question for potential buyers is whether massive storage capacity and great-quality video hold justify...

In case you didn't have enough reasons to worry about videos of your escapades showing up online, Flip Video has made video posting easier than ever.

The Flip Mino is sleek, pocketable and easy to use. The video quality also excels. However, the somewhat pricey Mino's video-uploading software can be slow and buggy and the buttons are overly sensitive.

The Toshiba Gigashot A100F uses AVCHD, and boasts 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution, allowing it to claim 'full HD' status - good news if you own an HDTV.

The Toshiba Gigashot A100F delivers a full sound and realistic colours, though there was some noticeable image ghosting when panning through interior shots. If you don't need a huge storage capacity there are probably better camcorders out there for you,...

The JVC Everio GZ-HD5 is a digital camcorder that uses three charge-coupled devices (CCDs) to record high-definition video to its built-in 60GB hard drive.

Despite its compact size and 3-CCD capture capability, JVC's Everio GZ-HD5 offers mediocre video and still quality.

Hard drive-based HD camcorder shoots impressive video.

The HF10's impressive video quality and ease of use add up to a very good camcorder, especially given its size. If size is a consideration for you, the HF10 is the right tapeless camcorder; if size doesn't matter, another good choice is Sony's HDR-SR11.